October 2015 Newsletter — 2015 Vision Expo West

OWA Annual Networking Reception & Connection Series Events Wrap-Up

Katherine Allen, Communications Committee Chair

During the International Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, the odds of the annual OWA Networking & Raffle Reception and Connection Series events being wildly successful were stacked in our favor. With more attendees registered for these two events than ever before, the OWA is proving that not only does our membership feel connected to the topics being presented, but they also love to have a good time for a great cause. Over the past two years, we have seen our membership grow by 25%, and we added 10 new members just during Vision Expo West. It's a sure bet that the future of our organization is headed in the right direction.

We want to take a moment say a special "thank you" to our panelists from our Connection Series event "Getting Four Generations Working Together." We heard viewpoints from the "traditionalist" to the "millennial," and throughout the event, we were able to see how some misunderstandings among generations might occur, and how we can get past them as professionals. After all, we are all woven from the same fabric though our backgrounds and our generations certainly shape the people we become. We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to all who participated in our raffle fundraiser, and to our incredible sponsors who supply our raffle prizes. Every year it just seems the items get better and better. From the glamorous red carpet, to the selfie stick photo opportunities, the night glittered as brilliantly as the lights on Las Vegas Boulevard.

When asked to reflect on the events hosted by the OWA in Las Vegas, President Heather Smith replied "Our events in Las Vegas have grown so much over the years! The Connection Series luncheon was not only well attended, but the audience was engaged in a way that demonstrates the relevance of the topic. The discussion even carried over into many of the conversations at our Networking Event and Raffle on Friday night. It's proof that the OWA can facilitate an interesting dialogue on the issues that are important to our members, and in a format that isn't available anywhere else in our industry. We are thrilled with the success of these events and we are just getting started!"

You may click on any photograph to download a high-resolution version. There are two albums below: one for Connection Series Event — "Getting Four Generations Working Together", and a second album for the Networking Reception and Raffle.

The 2016 OWA board is sworn in at their annual board meeting at Vision Expo West. Left to right are: Christie Walker (Jobson), Jennifer Jackson (Marcolin Eyewear), Maureen Cavanagh (Vision Impact Institute), Tammy Reaves (Target Optical), Lorie Lippiatt, OD (The Salem Eyecare Center, Inc.), Debbie Myres (Pacific Northern, Inc.), Heather Smith (VisionWeb), Tiara Claxton (Safilo USA), Janet L. Jackson (Ocuco, Inc.), Jean Sabre (Uptown Vision), Katherine Allen (Luneau Technology), Valerie Manso (BluTech Lenses). Not Pictured: Kate Renwick-Espinosa (VSP Vision Care).

The OWA board thanks outgoing board members Debbie Forstenzer, Liz Segre, Barbara Wagner, and Ann Englert.

The OWA Connection Series Presents:
"Getting Four Generations Working Together"
September 17, 2015

Katherine Allen, Communication Committee Chair and "Generation X"

In this entertaining and informative session, we explored generational differences that can cause conflict and misunderstandings in the workplace. Based on the book "Sticking Points — How to Get 4 Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart" by Haydn Shaw, this session focused on highlighting key differences in ideologies among different generations. Our panelists shared their personal stories that helped shape their lives and how they view the world, along with some humorous stories that ranged from saving everything including Wrigley's foil gum wrappers to cell phones being as necessary as an arm or a leg on our body.

Through this journey, though there were many points of view and certainly a variety of backgrounds and upbringings, a few common themes emerged; dealing with people comes down to respect, and regardless of generation, every person longs to be appreciated and valued for their unique contributions.

In summary, I am left with just one question . . . Millennials, how did I do on this article?

Panelists for this Connection Series event included:

• Mimi Friedfeld — "Traditionalist" and matriarch of the ClearVision Optical family
• Dr. Gary Gerber — "Baby Boomer" and Founder & Chief Dream Officer for The Power Practice
• Donna Gindy — "Borderline Boomer' and Chief Operating Officer of REM Eyewear
• Dr. Jill Saxon — "Generation X" and Director of Professional Strategy for Bausch + Lomb
• Steven Squires — "Millenial" and Director of Marketing for Local Eye Site
• Gillian Mulhere — "Millenial" and Marketing Professional for Jobson Healthcare

A program booklet was provided at each seat at Thursday's Connection Series lunch event, along with an invitation to the Friday evening Red Carpet Networking and Raffle event . . . and a beautifully decorated cookie, generously contributed by OWA Program Committee member Vickie Sullinger.	Friendly volunteers greet and check-in the Connection Series participants. Standing are OWA Board members Jenn Jackson (Marcolin, left) and Jean Sabre (Uptown Vision, right). Seated are new OWA member Lorie White (Complete Family Vision Care, left) and OWA Associate Executive Director, Michelle Schroeder (right).
Connection Series event moderators Nogah Jones (Jobson, "Millenial"), and Christie Walker (Jobson, "Baby Boomer") prepare to introduce the 6 panelists, representing the spectrum of generations in the modern workplace, for a discussion about "Getting Four Generations Working Together".	Connection Series event participants pick up their lunch and drink before taking their seat for the panel discussion program.
Connection Series panelists get acquainted with one another before the program gets underway. Left to Right: Dr. Gary Gerber (The Power Practice, "Baby Boomer"), Dr. Jill Saxon (Bausch + Lomb, "Generation X"), Mimi Friedfeld (ClearVision Optical , "Traditionalist"), Donna Gindy (REM Eyewear, "Borderline Boomer"), Steven Squires, (Local Eye Site, "Millenial"), and Gillian Mulhere (Jobson Healthcare, "Millenial").	"Millenial" panelists Gillian Mulhere and Steven Squires share their perspectives in responding to a question from the audience.

Networking Reception and Raffle
September 18, 2015

Board members Lori Lippiatt, OD, and Jean Sabre, are on hand for the Red Carpet Networking event.	The team from Eyefinity — Koi Rivers, Rhonda Regguinti, and Kelly Balaam — enjoy the networking event.
Jonathan Sanders (Pacific Northern), joined Debbie Myers (OWA Board member) during the networking event.	One of the fun things to do was to take a selfie. Prints were made and photo frames were donated by Northern Pacific, Inc.
New board member, Janet Johnson brought Clodagh Doherty from Ocuco to the event.	OWA Executive Director, Dave Beebe works with Lorinda Fraboni (Walman) to sell raffle tickets.
Renae Shepherd (The Vision Council), Eden Wexler (Safilo), and Deborah Castor (The Vision Council) await the start of the raffle.	VisionWeb's Julia Crawford congratulates VisionWeb's Heather Smith on her recent move to OWA President.
Ed Buffington chats with OWA board member Debbie Myers at the networking event.	The VSP team is out in force with Paul Janes, Lynne Skyrme, Kathy Frew, and Robyn Crimmins.
OWA Board members Maureen Cavanagh and Kate Renwick-Espinosa sell raffle tickets at the event.	Maryam Rahimi, Deb Bulken, and Anila Nadkarni of Luxottica enjoy the networking event.
The team from Nouveau Eyewear Lisa Galvan and Karin Sears await the raffle announcements.	Martine Breton (Breton Communications) and OWA President Heather Smith connect at the event.
OWA President Heather Smith welcomes everyone to the event.	OWA Board member, Lorie Lippiatt, OD, thanks OWA sponsors for their generous support throughout the year, for donating the fabulous raffle prizes and for joining in the fun at the event.